West Ham United remain firmly in the race for Real Betis midfielder Nelson Deossa, with the Spanish club reportedly willing to sanction his departure before the transfer window closes.
The latest Nelson Deossa West Ham update suggests there is still an opportunity for Nuno Espírito Santo despite significant competition for his signature.
Football Insider reports that Leeds United are weighing up a move for the 26-year-old, but describes the battle for Deossa as an “open race”, with West Ham, Wolves, Ipswich Town and Hull City also keen.
That could give West Ham another option as they attempt to reshape Nuno’s midfield before the Championship transfer window closes.
Nelson Deossa West Ham race remains wide open
Football Insider reports that Real Betis are reluctantly prepared to sell Deossa in order to increase their own transfer budget. The eventual destination is expected to depend heavily on the offers the Spanish club receive.
Betis are looking to recover roughly the €11million (£9.5m) they invested in Deossa last summer, according to reporting relayed by Sport Witness from Spain.
West Ham have already watched him closely.
Scouts representing the Hammers were reportedly present when Betis faced Arsenal in Dublin last week, and Deossa could hardly have produced a better audition. He scored in the 3-1 victory, while Football Insider also credits him with an assist.
Spanish outlet AS highlighted Deossa’s impressive pre-season, with Manuel Pellegrini surprisingly using the natural midfielder as a striker. He has responded with three goals during the summer and is Betis’ leading pre-season scorer.
That versatility could make him particularly interesting to West Ham.
ReadWestHam reported earlier on Wednesday that Nuno is already considering three midfield options, with Arne Engels the priority and Jordan James and Josh Mulligan among the alternatives.
Deossa would add another name to that picture, although there is currently no indication West Ham have submitted an offer.
With Betis open to doing business and several English clubs circling, the Hammers may need to move quickly if their scouting trip convinced them Deossa is worth pursuing.
